The Archies, Sugar, Sugar | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 139^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Sugar, Sugar” by American fictional rock band, The Archies.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 139^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Sugar, Sugar” performed by The Archies.  

“Sugar / Ah, honey, honey / You are my candy girl / And I’ve been wanting you.” Bubblegum pop music at its finest, folks, courtesy of The Archies! The Archies were an American fictional rock band associated with the Archies Comics 👀.  Even being fictional, “Sugar, Sugar”, the ninth track from the band’s 1969 album, Everything’s Archie, was a big-time hit. “Sugar, Sugar” not only topped the pop charts in the US, but worldwide.  The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1969.

“Sugar, Sugar” features smooth, easy-going vocals. Adding to the sweetness are selective vocal harmonies. The sound is groovy, exemplifying quintessential late 1960s vibes.  Also sugary sweet are the melodies, which are tuneful to the nth degree. Going back to the bubblegum vibes, the lyrics are innocent and inoffensive. In the first verse, The Archies sing, “I just can’t believe the loveliness of loving you / (I just can’t believe it’s true).” In the second verse, they add, “When I kissed you, girl, I knew how sweet a kiss could be.” The chorus, excerpted earlier and appearing at the beginning of the song, is infectious; you won’t be able to get it unstuck from your head. Later in the track, the vocals have a bit more edge, as The Archies urge us to “pour a little sugar on it, honey.” D-d-d-damn.  I know, I know, The Archies would’ve never said damn.  All in all, “Sugar, Sugar” is an unforgettable late ‘60s pop classic.  Is it too sweet? Probably, but, ultimately, it’s enjoyable and inoffensive.